January 12, 2026

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For over a decade, the “little company that could” has brought productions from the classical repertoire to new works by women composers to Ithaca audiences. We survived the devastating COVID pandemic with creativity and resourcefulness through filmed productions of Gianni Schicchi and Hansel and Gretel. The professionals who have performed with Opera Ithaca have gone on to esteemed companies such as the Metropolitan Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, and many other top regional companies.

 

It takes much more than ticket sales to produce fully staged productions, and we rely heavily on philanthropy from grants, business sponsorship, and donor support. Locally, the Tompkins Tourism Program, the Community Foundation, and several local banks have contributed generously to Opera Ithaca. New York State granting agencies, such as the New York State Council on the Arts and the Empire State Development Fund, have allowed Opera Ithaca to fund new works, begin our Apprentice and Young Artist Program, and produce our fall Opera Festivals and other operatic projects.

 

However, due to a lengthy and rigorous process of reimbursement for several retroactive grants approved by the Empire State Development Fund, Opera Ithaca is currently waiting for these funds to be paid. When these grants are stalled, it presents an extremely difficult fiscal problem. Further, Opera Ithaca is in need of enthusiastic volunteers and leadership. Due to current finances and the need for additional leadership, the Opera Ithaca Board has made the responsible and difficult decision to pause, so there will be no spring production in 2026.

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Deborah Montgomery, President, Opera Ithaca Board of Directors, at deborah@operaithaca.org.